Short Summary

The Lebanese Foreign Minister Khalil Abou Hamad made a brief visit to India on Tuesday (12 December) to hold discussions with President Giri and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Description

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GV EXT President's house
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SV Mr. Hamad arrives
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GV President Giri welcomes Hamad and party
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CU Chandelier
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SV Giri talks with Hamad through interpreter (3 shots)
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GV EXT Parliament House
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SV Hamad arrives, welcomed by Mrs. Gandhi
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SV Mrs. Gandhi talks with Hamad
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Initials BB/1740 WR/AS/BB/1745

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Background: The Lebanese Foreign Minister Khalil Abou Hamad made a brief visit to India on Tuesday (12 December) to hold discussions with President Giri and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Foreign policies and participation in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), were believed to be the main topics of initial talks between Mr. Giri and Mr. Hamed at the President's New Delhi home.

Later the Lebanese Minister met Mrs. Gandhi at Parliament House. He spent half an hour in conference with the Prime Minister expressing hope of improving relations between the two countries.

SYNOPSIS: India's President Giri's home in New Delhi was the scene of informal discussions between the President and the Lebanese Foreign Minister, Kalil Abou Hamad on Tuesday.

President Giri greeted his visitor who had requested the meeting to discuss foreign policies and the two countries' participation in the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation.

Details of the friendly talks have not been released, but observers believe the two men were seeking closer trade links between the two nations.

President Giri and Mr. Hamad expressed their views and problems to one another through an interpreter.

Later the Lebanese Minister made a brief visit to Parliament House to meet Mrs. Gandhi. These he elaborated on his aim at improving relations between his country and India.